Ontario is updating the blue box program
The province has finalized changes to Ontario’s blue box recycling program that is expected to take effect between 2023-2025.
It will standardize the blue box program across more than 250 municipalities and shift the cost to operate it from communities to waste producers — a move it estimates will save $156 million a year.
“The stronger, more effective program we are creating will have some of the highest waste diversion targets in North America,” Ontario's Environment Minister Jeff Yurek says.
On Thursday, Yurek announced more communities would have access to the recycling program and that more items can eventually be put in the bins.
Single-use products like stir sticks and plastic cups will eventually be accepted along with things like straws, plastic cutlery and packaging.
He says the program will also now mean additional items will be accepted in blue boxes including plastic cups, foils, trays and bags.
“Our goal is to maximize the amount that folks can recycle and make it standard across the province,” he says.
Yurek says the provincial blue box program would be consolidated into a standard program and that all communities except for the far north will have access to recycling services by 2026.
Tracey Ward lives in east Windsor and welcomes the idea of recycling more.
“I know bins are getting turned away and garbage bins are getting turned away because there’s things that shouldn’t be in there,” Ward says.
She says it’s frustrating when contaminated recycling bins are left behind on collection day.
“I think we should be recycling whatever we possible can and also I wish companies would stop packaging things in non-recyclable goods so that we don’t have to deal with the issue of the garbage man not taking this because it’s not recyclable,” Ward says.
“At this point in our generation and with the knowledge and technology that we have, nothing should be sent out in non-recyclable products.”
Currently, municipalities determine what can and cannot be accepted in the blue box.
City of Windsor manager of environmental services Anne-Marie Albidone reminds residents changes will not take effect immediately, noting there are still limitations to what can be recycled until the provincial consolidation.
“For you and I, as customers and residents of this area, not much is going to change,” Albidone explains. “We’re still going to put out our recycling the same way that we do now. What might change for us is we might be able to put in some extra items that today, we can’t.”
Albidone says an exact date for the provincial change to take effect in Windsor-Essex has not yet been determined and encourages anyone with questions about what’s recyclable to download the local “Recycle Coach” app.
“Just type it in the search engine and it’ll tell you,” she said.
Ontario also intends to expand blue box services to some long-term care homes, apartment buildings, retirement homes and schools. There are also plans to increase recycling bins at public parks, playgrounds and transit stations.
Minister Yurek said there shouldn’t be any service disruptions to recycling as the province transitions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.